Current Biochemical Engineering

Research in nanotechnology has grown exponentially in recent years, and almost all fields of science have taken advantage of this new approach. Nanotechnology has created a great revolution, especially in the fields of engineering and biotechnology. This special issue focused on introduction nanomaterials as a new approach in all of the science and especially biochemistry and engineering. The investigation nanomaterials properties and relative between unique properties of nanomaterials with applications in biochemistry and engineering are the main goals of this special issue. This special issue included 6 reviews article about the application of nanomaterials in engineering and biological. In paper 1, Anbarsooz et al., described a review paper about Heat transfer augmentation in solar collectors using nanofluids [1]. They discuss enhancing the heat transfer rate in solar collectors is an essential factor in reducing the size of the system. In paper 2, Ghahremani-Moghadam and Khaleghian discuss Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded and processed joints with additions of nanoparticles [2]. The current review article presents an overview of the effect of nanoparticles on microstructural and mechanical properties of the FSW/FSP joints. In paper 3, Roostaee and Sheikhshoaie discuss magnetic nanoparticles; Synthesis, properties, and electrochemical applications [3]. The recently suggested synthesis methods of Fe3O4 and its derivatives and their electrochemical application are discussed in this study. In paper 4, Javadi writes a review paper about applications of ZnO and MgO nanoparticle in reducing of zinc pollution level in Rubber Manufacturing Processes [4]. In paper 5, Shojae and Mahdavian write a review paper about combustion and emissions characteristics of biodiesel from vegetable oils in the diesel engine [5]. In paper 6, Karimi et al. focused on studying the role of CNTs as conductive mediators for the fabrication of highly sensitive electrochemical sensors. CNTs, with high conductivity and good ability for modification with other materials, are interesting candidates for improving the sensitivity of electrochemical sensors [6]. I hope that in the special issue of Current Biochemical Engineering that collected in different fields relative to the application of nanomaterial for the fabrication of analytical sensors useful for readers.

For several decades, bioactives have been widely explored as complementary and alternative medicines for the treatment/ management of various ailments including inflammatory disorders, diabetes, wound healing application and maintaining the optimal body functions [1-5]. Despite the opportunity for therapeutic benefits, bioactives have several hiccups such as nonuniformity in dose, suboptimal bioavailability, high metabolism and larger biodistribution characteristics. There are several bioactives including polyphenols which have only 2-20% oral bioavailability and are majorly metabolized via methylation, glucuronidation and eliminated by liver, which results into poor bioavailability [6]. For example, curcumin and its metabolites entitled as curcumin glucuronide or curcumin sulphate show reduced biodistribution as compared to the parent curcumin [7]. Furthermore, the similar effects are also reported in resveratrol and quercetin [7-11]. Besides, the bioactive majorly suffers from restricted solubility, permeability, higher metabolization, dose unadjustment and poor bioavailability. To overcome such problems, currently Chemically Engineered Nanomedicines (CEN) have been developed to improve the absorption and performance of such bioactives [11]. CEN with size range from 1 to 1000 nm includes microspheres, lipidic nanocarriers, surface functionalized nanocarriers, nano/microemulsion and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles [12]. These CEN have capability of delivering both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs in controlled release manner with high drug loading capacity and better stability for its suitability in systemic and topical drug delivery applications [13]. Other important characteristics of CEN have high surface area-to-volume ratio, better pharmacokinetic and biodistribution properties of the bioactive at the desired site of action [14]. To date, a variety of CENs have been reported for the efficient delivery of bioactives. New herbal drugs loaded CEN are reported to have remarkable advantages over conventional formulations of plant actives and extracts which include enhancement of solubility, bioavailability, multiple drug delivery, expansion of stability, sustained delivery, improved tissue macrophages distribution, protection from toxicity, enhancement of pharmacological activity and protection from physical and chemical degradation. The present thematic issue, therefore, is a compilation of review articles from recent research work done on bioactive loaded chemical engineered nanocarriers for health care applications. We would like to thank all the authors for their excellent contributions, the editors of “Current Biochemical Engineering” for this invitation to act as guest editors for this thematic issue and the valuable assistance by Editorial Manager, Syed Faizan Akhtar in the processing and finalization of this special theme issue.